Reproductive Issues

Answer

1. 1. Reproductive issues

      Reproductive health is very vital in reproduction as it extends beyond the diseases or infirmities, and further encompasses a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in relations to functions and processes of the reproductive system. However, different life stages are linked with specific sexual and reproductive health issues especially in women. These could be menstruations, fertility, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, chronic health issues such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause. Some of the named cases can a woman to be unable to get children. This can be a serious reproductive issue especially in cases where the couples greatly feel the urge to have the children of their own. One of the ways of handling the issue is by use of the In Vitro fertilization (IVF) which is away of assisting women who have problem with child conception. The process involves a series of complex procedures that are usually initiated in a test tube.

      The IVF was invented was invented by Dr. Pincus in 1934 with trials on animals. The first successful human trial was documented in 1978 (Gurevich 2020). Since its inception, IVF has been that demands for both dedication and commitment. The process is usually complex and cannot be taken lightly at any instance. The first step usually starts with, a patient is required to self-administer specific hormone supplements on a specified schedule to prepared themselves for insemination. These medications are imperative to a successful transfer. The prescribed medications can have some uncomfortable side effects ranging from mood swings to allergic reactions. The process is not usually a “one and done” process. In a lot of cases, it has required multiple transfers to proctor a successful result.

      Although IVF is proven to assist in fertility, is it really just a cash industry as Families spend thousands of dollars with the hope of expanding their family, but the process is not a guarantee (Zhang 2019). The process is usually costly, the average cost of an IVF cycle is estimated to be around 15,000 dollars, minimum. The success rate is also relatively low for instance, in 2008 the success rate of IVF was 41% in women under the age of 35. Usually, a woman will participate in 2.1 cycles on average.

      The IVF process is non-consequential, meaning that the desired outcome is the only objective. The most important part of the process is a successful pregnancy, but what happens to the remaining embryos is a question that many asks. Normally, multiple eggs are fertilized and tested to determine which embryo will be utilized. Almost 60% of embryos are discarded after the transfer has been successfully completed. Also, the risk of not receiving what you have signed up for is real and relevant and Dr. Cline is an example of patients receiving a male donor that was not previously agreed upon (Pence 2017).

      There is also a challenge with mothers who are used as surrogates and do carry the child that they are not related to biologically. This seems to be unethical as a mother needs to be completely attached to the child and feel that sense of ownership. The idea of paying or buying the surrogate mother also seems to be unaccepted by most religions and different societies (Godfrey 2019).

      Despite the arguments, IVF plays a vital role in fulfilling the lives of many people. This is seen as some families who are not able to have children have now been offered with an option. It therefore proves to be a good discovery in the field of medicine as it is beneficial if successful and the benefits far outweigh the negative factors. Although, there are several ethical goals that needs to be put into consideration when dealing with the topic because of the level of sensitivity it encompasses.